Krishna Temple

The Krishna temple at Hampi was built by Krishnadevaraya to commemorate the success of his Orissa campaign. It is believed that he brought back with him, an idol of Bala Krishna―Krishna, the child―which was enshrined in this temple. The idol is no more, but the gopuram over the entrance casts light on the idol, as well as the Orissa campaign. The warriors on the gopuram, as well as the Krishna who stands above them, are a lasting reminder of the victory. The temple is a beautiful one, with every wall and pillar decorated with sculptures and carvings of Krishna, or Lord Vishnu, in his various forms. There are representations of the Dashavatar―the ten incarnations of Vishnu, as well as scenes from the Ramayana and the Krishna Leela. An impressive sight here is the huge stone hundi (or collection box) which has survived intact through the years. Opposite the temple is a huge clearing, lining which are covered pathways. Said to be one of the ancient bazaars, where traders from across the country sold their wares, it is amazing to see how well planned it was, and how much of it survives after centuries! Further on, there are open spaces with remnants of stone walls, which might have been the residences of the traders, and a water tank, which supplied water to the bazaar, its residents and visitors. There is even a water channel, bringing water from the aqueduct that brought water from the river to the city! The Krishna temple and its bazaar are a lasting reminder that wars might bring victory, but it is administration and planning which survive, and bring glory! The Vijayanagar rulers certainly knew this, given the importance they gave to administration!